High Speed Rail Talk

High Speed Rail Alliance
  • 5.0 (2)
  • News Commentary

High Speed Rail Talk features news and discussion about fast, frequent trains and the future of transportation in America. The High Speed Rail Alliance is a member-supported nonprofit working to make great trains a reality through education, research, and advocacy. Support this podcast by becoming a member: https://www.hsrail.org/join-us/

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    The O’Hare Flyer: Chicago May Finally Get Its Airport Express Train

    Speakers: Mark Walbrun, chief development officer, and Dave Lundy, chief executive officer, O'Hare Flyer The O’Hare Flyer is a privately funded rail project that aims to bring travelers from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport in just 15 minutes. The proposal, announced on Aug. 25, would take advantage of underused, freight-owned rights of way to deliver a practical path toward a long-sought commuting experience. The O’Hare Flyer would run battery-powered trains between the airport’s Terminal 2 and a station near the Old Post Office proximate to a variety of multimodal “last-mile” connections such as Chicago Union Station. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development from its leadership team. [00:00] Intro — High Speed Rail Talk[00:19] Welcome from Rick Harnish, High Speed Rail Alliance[01:27] Introducing the O'Hare Flyer team and project background[04:17] World-class partners and vendors[05:11] Vision: a 15-minute, battery-electric airport express[06:59] Private funding, no public subsidy[07:41] Operating plan and schedule[10:09] Train specs, range, and battery charging[10:39] Route overview: CN, CSX, Union Pacific rights-of-way[12:02] Downtown terminal at Canal Street[13:10] End-to-end control and grade separation[14:34] Track configuration and third rail details[15:30] Route schematic and maintenance center[16:18] Grade crossings and safety upgrades[18:17] Crossing the airport taxiways[19:03] Arrival at the airport terminal platform[20:19] Connecting to Terminal 1, 3, 5 and the ATS[21:07] Passenger experience and luggage handling[22:26] Downtown station and connections to Union Station/Blue Line[23:13] Engineering, environmental, and title research[24:26] Community relations approach[25:51] Possible Forest Park stop[26:20] Grade separation details in River Forest[28:00] Q&A begins[28:11] CTA ridership overlap and market differences[30:26] Speed and top speed details[31:27] Why not terminate at Union Station[32:56] Funding and comparison to Brightline (Florida)[35:07] Fare pricing expectations[36:01] ROI and investor questions[36:16] CDA/CDOT/city cooperation[37:41] Conversations with CTA and Metra[38:10] Ridership market research[40:07] Forest Park stop travel times[40:30] Investors and backers confidentiality[41:22] Addressing residential noise concerns[42:48] Comparison to Toronto's Union-Pearson Express[44:03] Closing thoughts and next steps[45:16] Outro and credits Originally recorded Sept. 4, 2026

  2. Episode 1

    What is High Speed Rail Talk?

    We are excited to announce the launch of our podcast High Speed Rail Talk. This new format builds upon our celebrated webinar series to bring you news and discussion about fast, frequent trains and the future of transportation in America.

  3. Sep 2

    A New Transit Hub for Detroit

    Guests: Beth Kmetz-Armitage and Sam Krassenstein For over three decades, Detroit’s famed Michigan Central Station stood derelict and abandoned after 75 years of passenger service. But trains could return to the vicinity of the old station soon. The Ford Motor Company purchased, renovated, and gave new life to Michigan Central Station, which opened in 2024 as a mixed-use building, part of the new Michigan Central Innovation District — which has partnered with the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Transportation to develop a new multimodal transportation facility within the 30-acre campus. High Speed Rail Alliance Executive Director Rick Harnish joins Beth Kmetz-Armitage and Sam Krassenstein, two leaders in the project, for a conversation about the proposed station, the potential for expanded Amtrak service in the region, and what this development means for the future of Detroit. Beth Kmetz-Armitage is the director of commercial development at Michigan Central. Sam Krassentein serves as both the chief of infrastructure and the Department of Public Works deputy director for the City of Detroit. Chapters: 00:00 Intro — High Speed Rail Talk00:19 Welcome from Rick Harnish, High Speed Rail Alliance01:07 Meet the Guests02:17 Overview of the Michigan Central Station Restoration06:00 Vision for a New Multimodal Transit Hub08:16 History of Rail Service & Restoration Goals10:38 What Is Michigan Central? (Building vs. Entity)13:55 Regional Ridership & Market Draw16:37 Expanding Service to Ann Arbor and Beyond19:04 The Threat to Intercity Bus Stations21:08 Local Transit Access & Future Connections22:17 Economic Development Around the Station23:26 Design Plans for the New Transit Center26:08 The Corktown & Southwest Neighborhoods27:52 Why Michigan Central Is Investing in Transit29:38 The Windsor–Toronto Rail Connection32:23 Why Not Restore the Original Train Platforms?39:21 Funding the Project40:46 Basement Discoveries at the Historic Station43:01 How the Public Can Help45:51 Wolverine Service & Oakland County Questions46:10 Planned Amenities46:33 Closing Thoughts & Credits Originally recorded Jan. 9, 2026

    A New Transit Hub for Detroit

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

High Speed Rail Talk features news and discussion about fast, frequent trains and the future of transportation in America. The High Speed Rail Alliance is a member-supported nonprofit working to make great trains a reality through education, research, and advocacy. Support this podcast by becoming a member: https://www.hsrail.org/join-us/

Information

  • Creator
    High Speed Rail Alliance
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 High Speed Rail Alliance
  • Show Website
    High Speed Rail Talk